The decision of former Prime Minister and the displaced former Leader of the Free National
Movement Doctor Hubert Minnis to seek re-election for the Killarney Constituency in the next general election elections has left many stalwarts of the party in a state of confusion.

Dr. Minnis announced his decision during the budget debate in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, despite being told by Opposition Leader Michael Pintard several weeks ago that he will not receive a nomination from the party.

The destabilization of the FNM was made worse by a press release from the Chairman of the party, Dr. Duane Sands which stated: “The Bahamian people have made their views clear on the politics and policies of the Minnis-led administration.  The FNM has listened, and we are not looking back.  We look forward to presenting candidates who reflect our values, our vision, and the future we believe in for The Bahamas.”

However, many political observers have called this statement by the Chairman unfortunate and impolitic since both he and Mr. Pintard were Cabinet Members in the Minnis administration.

Dr. Sands as Minister of Health was fired from the Cabinet by Dr. Minnis for breaching COVID laws when the then Prime Minister was the only competent authority.  Some FNMs say that Dr. Sands’ statement shows malice and reeks of vengeance.  The majority of officers in the Killarney branch of the party and scores of other constituents, as well as high ranking officers of the party, are supporting Dr. Minnis to be renominated for the constituency.

Many claim that the party is divided once again and this time the fracture could cause the FNM to lose the seat that Dr. Minnis held for three terms.

Dr. Minnis resigned from the leadership of the FNM following the party’s defeat in the 2021 elections but later sought re-election and was soundly defeated by Mr. Pintard.

The division in the FNM is reminiscent of the time before the 1977 general election when the party split over who should receive the nomination for the Long Island constituency.  At that time, the late Cecil Wallace-Whitfield wanted the late Tennyson Wells to contest the seat, and another faction wanted the late James F. Knowles.  That fight resulted in the formation of a new party, the Bahamian Democratic Party, which became the official opposition and the sidelining of the FNM.  Eventually, the factions were reunited under the leadership of the late Sir Kendal Isaacs.

A decision by Dr. Minnis to contest the Killarney seat if he is not nominated by the party could lead to his expulsion from the organization in keeping with the party’s constitution.  Meanwhile, several potential replacements who are FNM supporters are seeking support in the Council of the party to replace the former Prime Minister.